Class Actions

At Cochrane Sinclair LLP, we lead groundbreaking class actions with a relentless commitment to justice and consumer protection. With deep expertise in complex litigation, we keep governments and corporations accountable while fighting for the rights of individuals and communities.

Children’s Special Allowance (Alberta)

This claim alleges that Alberta discriminated against provincially funded children in its care (those whose parents were not ordinarily resident on reserve at the time of apprehension) by failing to apply the CSA benefit directly for their care starting in 1993.

Children’s Special Allowance (British Columbia)

This claim alleges that British Columbia (B.C.) discriminated against provincially funded children in care (those whose parents were not ordinarily resident on reserve at the time of apprehension) by failing to provide the CSA directly for their benefit starting in 1993.

Children’s Special Allowance (Manitoba)

Between 2005 and 2019, Manitoba required CFS agencies to remit the CSA to the provincial government’s General Revenue instead of using it for the children in care. In 2022, the Manitoba Court of King’s Bench found the policy discriminatory.

Children’s Special Allowance (Saskatchewan)

This claim alleges that Saskatchewan discriminated against provincially funded children in its care (those whose parents were not ordinarily resident on reserve when they were apprehended) by withholding the CSA benefit starting in 1993.

Cold Medicine

This lawsuit claims that four major pharmaceutical companies sold cold medications marketed as decongestants, despite the active ingredient, phenylephrine, being found ineffective in pill form.

First Nations Bands — Millennium Scoop

This lawsuit contends that the Government of Canada has deliberately separated First Nations children from their families, communities, and cultural roots.

Indigenous Youth and Families — Systemic Discrimination from Child and Family Services (the Millennium Scoop) and Failure to Provide Essential Services

This class action alleges that the Government of Canada and provincial governments discriminated against Indigenous children by removing them from their families and communities through child services programs and denying them essential services.

Treaty 2 Annuity Payments Class Action

Lake Manitoba First Nation has filed a class action against Canada, seeking compensation for annual Treaty annuity payments that have fallen embarrassingly short of Canada’s commitments under the treaty.

Treaty 5 Annuity Payments Class Action

Fisher River Cree Nation has initiated a class action lawsuit against Canada for failing to meet its obligations regarding annual Treaty annuity payments.

“As Grand Chief, I’ve witnessed firsthand the tremendous impact Cochrane Sinclair LLP has had on advancing the rights of First Nation people and communities. Their law firm is a beacon of legal excellence, combining deep knowledge of Indigenous law with an unwavering commitment to justice. The team at Cochrane Sinclair stands out not only for their legal expertise but for their genuine dedication to understanding and advocating for our people. Cochrane Sinclair is more than just a law firm - they are trusted partners in our ongoing journey toward reconciliation and justice.”

Grand Chief Garrison Settee

Manitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak
(representing 26 First Nations in northern Manitoba)